“The boys’ times and places were better than last year, and we’re also much deeper than last season, which is a great thing to be at this point,” Kalember said. “Considering that we qualified for the State Finals last year, we should be on track to do it again.”

Chris Ryan was just outside of team scoring back in 44th place.

“Our pack of 3-4-5-6-7 is tight, and if anyone has an off day then someone else is right behind to step in,” said Kalember. “That’s hugely reassuring.”

The boys have won their division 13 of the past 16 years.

Senior captain Katelynn Dreyer placed 11th overall in the girls’ race with a time of 12:47, and Maria Warren captured 21st at 13:20.

“I think both Kate and Maria had good days,” Kalember said. “(Katelynn) was almost 25 seconds faster than last year on a slower course, and it looks like All-Regional honors might be possible for her.”

“These two gals have been working extremely hard in practice and are consistently close to Kate and Maria,” Kalember said.

Erin Borgeson finished out of the points for Gaylord in 38th place with a 14:02, and Noelle Warren ran a strong race, finishing 41st.

“Noelle continues to come back from a serious Achilles injury and has run pain free the last week,” Kalember said. “If we can get her close to Geena and Ellen, our prospects for Regionals begin to look brighter.”

In the junior varsity race, Grace Porta finished fourth for the girls, and Ian Rudel placed 11th for the boys.

Gaylord returns to action Tuesday in a Big North Conference meet at Ogemaw Heights.